Switch



P. a. HczwsV swncu Filed April e, 1940v June 30, 1942;'

' 's sheets-sheet 1 Jaffe/22% P. B. HOYE SWITCH Filed April s, 1940 v 8 sheets-sheet 2 June 30', 1942.

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P. B. HOY:

June so; 19412.

SWITCH Filed April s, 1940 Y 8 sheets-sheet 4 P. B. HOYE June 30,` 1942.

SWITCH Filed April 6, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 .7 ,5. 2)?. .WJ/md( w .mi 4% m ,w w EIMS@ Ww June 30, 1.942.

' P. B. HOYE swI'rcH Fild April e, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 June 30, 1942.

P. B. HQYE SWITCH Filedljpril 6, i940 's'sheets-sh'eet 'r federiw, @ux-1..,

[fag/e. M.

I Il' Iza Patented June 30, 1942 SWITCB Peder B. Hoye, Maywood, Ill., assigner to Electrical Engineers Equipment Company, Melrose Pax-k, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application April 6,- 1940, Serial No. 328.3414l (Cl. 20o-162) 39 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to electrical switches, and more particularly to switches of the type 1) in which a high pressure of engagement per unit area is established between the'- coacting switch surfaces; and (2) in which a wiping or scraping motion is caused to occur between these surfaces during or immediately following the establishment of the high pressure engagement.

High pressure engagement has distinct advantages, particularly in switches for high amperage loads. For example, the resistance of the metalto-metal contact is minimized, overheating is avoided, and the deleterious inuence on the contact surfaces of sleet, rain, snow, andfcorrosive fumes in industrial plants, etc., is minimized.

Wiping or scraping motion also has distinct advantages, particularly in cooperation with high,

pressure engagement. A switch standing open for a substantialinterval is very likely to collect dust, dirt, weather or corrosive accumulations on the coacting contact surfaces. Merely bringing these surfaces together under high pressure is not adequate to clean the surfaces of such accumulations. However, by causing a relative wiping or scraping motion between the surfaces, either while they are being brought into pressure engagement or immediately thereafter, these accumulations of foreign matter can be displaced so that clean contacting surfaces of maximum effectiveness are obtained.

The principal feature of the present invention resides in the provision of improved operating mechanism for obtaining this high pressure engagement between the switch surfaces, Aand also for obtaining the wiping or scraping action therebetween. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Ahigh pressure engagement is obtained by an improved relation of screw thread apparatus comprising threaded studs and cooperating vnuts which are caused to have relative rotation in-one direction during the closing of the switch for exerting a clamping pressure, and which are caused to have relative rotation in the opposite direction during the opening of the switch for releasing the clamping pressure. 'I'his screw thread mechanism enables the switch to be made much narrower and more compact than when using toggle or linkage mechanism. 'I'he screw thread mechanism also results in an improved switch design in which pairs of laterally spaced blade elements are drawn towards each other, into high pressure clamping engagement against the opposite sides of switch terminals 1ying between said blade elements.

The' operating/mechanism also includes improved shifting means for causing endwise wipduring each operation of closing the switch'or opening the switch. 'Ihe screw threaded clamping means is preferably interrelated with this improved shifting means whereby clamping action and shifting action occur substantially simultaneously in the operation of the switch.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of improved timing means for ltiming the operation of the shifting and clamping means with respect to the pivotal swinging movement of the blade assembly between open and closed positions. It will be understood from the foregoing that the blade elements have three motions: (1) The pivotal swinging motion between open and closed positions of the switch; (2) the endwise shifting motion of the blade elements for obtaining the wiping orscraping action; and (3) the transverse clamping motion which results in the high pressure engagement'of the blade elements with 'the stationary switch contacts or terminals. The improved timing means governs the shifting means and the screw clamping means so that as the blade assembly swings toward switch closing position the shifting mo- -tion and clamping motion do not occur until the blade elements are in position to effect their sliding and clamping engagement with the stationary contacts. Likewise, in the operation of opening the switch, the shifting and clamping motions occur initially to free the blade elements from the stationary contacts before the blade assembly a starts its pivotal swinging motion toward open position.

Another feature of the invention pertains to improved locking means for the switch. Thisimproved locking means may be a part of the timing means, or of the operating means, or it may be a separate instrumentality.4 This improved locking means functions to prevent accidental opening of the switch as a result of short circuits, vibration or other abnormal influences.

Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will appear in the following detailde- .scription of certain preferred embodiments of the invention. In the accompanying drawings illustrating said embodiments:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment ofv my improved switch, illustrating the blade assembly in its open position in dotted lines.

Figure 2 is a front elevational view showing this embodiment in a three pole construction.

Figure 3 is a sectional view through the screw clamping mechanism, taken approximately on'.

the plane of the line 3-3 of Figure l.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the plane. of the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the rocker u mounting of the blade elements and clamping members, taken approximately on the plane of the line 5-5 of Figure l; l

Figures 6 and 'I are front elevational and side elevational views respectively of one of the blade elements.

Figures 8 and 9 are front elevational and side elevational views respectively of one of the clamping members. Figure 10 is a detail view of the toggle and timing mechanism of the switch.

Figure l1 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, showing another embodiment of my invention;

Figure 12 is a similar view showing theminn stage of opening the switch.

'gure 13 is a fragmentary view showing the final stage of opening the switch.

Figure 14 is a front elevational view of the' switch in its closed position.

Figure 15 is a transverse Y sectional view through the operating lever and screw clamping mechanism, taken approximately on the plane of the line |5|5 of Figurell.

Figure 16 is a side elevational view showing another embodiment of the invention, illustrat- `ing the blade assembly in its open position in dotted lines.

Figure 17 is a front elevational view of the switch in its closed position.

Figure 18 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 19 is a front elevational view of the latter.

Referring iirst to the embodiment illustrated 'in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, the switch assembly i bars or other conductors are bolted through the holes 26.

The blade assembly of the switch comprises -four blade elements or bars arranged in two cooperating pairs 28a, 28h, and 29a, 29h (see Figures 4 and 5). As briefly mentioned heretofore,

the opposite blade elements of each pair are intransversely spaced relation to receive the switch terminals 2|, 22 betweenA the blade elements. The pair of blade elements 23a-23h is adapted to be moved toward and from each other by the action of a rightand a left-hand threaded screw bolt 3|, and, similarly the other pair of blade elements 29d-29h is adapted tobe moved toward and from each other by the action of a similar screw bolt 32. Each pair of blade elements is arranged to shift endwise as a unitin order to secure the desired wiping action concurrently with the clamping pressure exerted by the screw bolts, one pair of blade elements shifting endwise in one direction while the other pair is shifting endwise in the opposite direction. This differential or opposite shifting relation is established by a parallel link relation between the blade elements, as will be presently described.

Referring to the detail construction of each blade element or section, as illustrated in Figures 6 and '7, it will be noted that each end is slotted longitudinally, as indicated at 34, to form `pairs of parallel contact lingers, and the inner v.surface of each finger is formed with a raised contact area adapted to have high pressure engagement with the adjacent surface of the corresponding switch terminal 2| or 22. Each blade section is also provided with a central circular opening 35 through which freely passes the screw bolt 3| or 32 which exerts the clamping pressure on the blade section.

' Bearing against the outer sides of the blade sections are screw clamps 38u- 38h and 39a-39b which coact with the screw bolts 3| and 32 to exert the clamping pressure. These clamp members are all duplicates, one being shown in detail in Figures 8 and 9, from which it will be seen that it is formed with an upper longitudinal slot 4| which separates the upper half into two iinger portion, and is also formed with a lower longitudinal opening 42 which divides a part of the lower half into two side portions. These finger portions and side portions have raised pressure areas 43 which are machined off level with the raised central portion of the clamp, said pressure areas concentrating pressure on the slotted finger portions of each switch element 28a-28h,

` letc. A cylindrical opening 45 in each clamp member is adapted to receive a cylindrical nut 46 or 46', within which screws a threaded end of the associated screw bolts 3|, 32. As shown in Figure 3, these bolts have righthand threads Maf-32a at one end, and lefthand threads 3Ib'32b at the otherend. The nuts 46 are internally threaded for the righthand threads, and the nuts 46' are internally'threaded for the lefthand threads. Each of these nuts is provided with a hexagonal outer head abutting against the outer4 surface of its corresponding clamping member Saa- 3927, whereby a wrench can be readily applied to such hexagonal head for rotating the nut, such rotation enabling inward or outward adjustment of the corresponding clamping member to'be effected, as for taking up wear, etc. Referring again to Figure 8, it will be observed that the slot-4| extends across the cylindrical opening 45 so that the sides of said opening can be squeezed together to lock the cylindrical nut 43 or 46' in any position of rotative adjustment that'has been given to said nut in the opening 45. This locking function is accomplished by a cap screw 49 which extends freely through one finger portion of the clamp, on one side of the slot 4|, and taps into a threaded bore in the finger portion on the other side of the slot.

Each clamping member has its lower portion converging down to a narrow pivot boss from which projects an inwardly extending pivot stud 5|. This stud has pivotal mounting in a pivot opening 52 which is formed-in each end of a rocker member 53. Referring to Figure 5, there are two of such rocker members. one disposed on one side of the hinge terminal 2| for pivotally mounting the lower ends of the clamping members 38a and 39a, and the other disposed on the opposite side of the hingeterminal for pivotally mounting the other clamping members 36h and 39h. Each rocker member has free rocker mounting at its center on a Apivot pin 54 which extends transversely through the hinge terminal 2|. No differential shifting force is imparted to the clamping members and blade sections through these rocker members 53, the actual transmission of shifting force to said parts being through the upper rocker lever 51, which I shall now describe.

This upper rocker lever 51 extends into the space between the pairs of opposing blade elements tor establishing operative connection with the same rocker function or relation with respect to these screw bolts that the lower rocker members 53 occupy with respect to the pivots 6|; the linesbetween all four pivots centers defining a parallelogram. In consequence of this yrelation, whenever differential shifting motion is imparted to the clamping members and blade elements, the upper rocker Vlever 51 has rocker motion about a virtual pivot 54a: (Figure l), corresponding to the motion of the lower rocker members 53 about the center pivot 54. The outer arm 51a of the upper rocker lever 51 inclines slightly downwardly and is formed with a forked end which is apertured transversely for receiving the pivot pin 6|. Thispin establishes pivotal connection with the upper end of a ggle link 62 which extends into the forked end 'Af the rocker lever 51. The lower end of said t'goggle link has pivotal connection through a pivot pin 63 with an operating lever 64. As shown in Figure 2, the upper portion of the lever 64 is of boxlike or channel section with the open side toward the switch parts, and the arm 51a and the toggle link 62 are disposed within the channel formation. The lower part of the operating lever isv of forked format-ion, comprising spaced arm portions 64b which extend downwardly and inwardly under the switch parts and have pivotal mounting on the hinge pin 54. This lower forked portion 64b of the operating lever has no direct connection with the lower rockers 53, and could' be mounted on a pivot center other than the hinge pin 54.

Referring again to the toggle link 62, as shown y hinge pinV 63 at the other extremity. As shown l wardly from the latch tripping member 15.

in Figure 10, this link comprises an upwardly extending stop arm 66 which is operable to engage a stop shoulder 61 which is formed as a cross web within the forked outer end of the rocker lever extension 51a. A torsion` spring 68 is coiled about the pivot pin 63 and has one end hooked to the toggle link 62 and the other end hooked to the operating lever 64 in such relation as to tend to rotate the toggle link 62 in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin Thus, the tendency of this spring is a continuous eiort to straighten out the toggle mechanism, tending to bring the knuckle pivot 6| toward a position of dead-center alignment with in Figure l0, the stops 66 and 61 come into abutment when the knuckle pivot 6| arrives in this dead center alignment, such position representing a locked condition of the toggle mechanism.

This locked condition continues `during the A entire time the switch is open, and until the blade assembly is almost back in its finalclosed position, during the return motion of the operating lever 64. A toggle-breaking lug 69 projects from the outer extremity of the rocker'lever extension 51a and is adapted to strike a toggle-breaking stop screw 16 for breaking the toggle joint just as the blade-assembly gets back into approximately vertical position. The stop screw 10 is adjustablymounted in the hinge clip structure 2| for screwing inwardly or outwardly vto angularly adjust the toggle breaking location.

The switch is held in its closed circuit position by a latch 1| which is released by the switch operator 12 when the latter is actuated to move 'the operating lever 64.. In the vembodiment illus` trated, the operator 12 is in the form of an eye for receiving a pole hook, but it will he understood that the term operator is also intended to embrace an operating handle, an operating shaft, and other operating instrumentalities. For a three-phase gang switch, such as is illustrated in Figure 2, the eye clip 12V is bolted to the center of a long insulatingbar 13 which extends across the upper ends of .the three operating levers 64. Pivotally mounted on the upper end of each operating lever 64 is a latch tripping clevis 15 to which the insulating bar 13 is bolted. Said latch tripping clevis or member 15 is .of inverted U- shaped form, comprising side arms 16 which extend down along the outer sides of the operating lever 64, and receive a pivot pin 11 which extends transversely through the operating lever. 'Ihe inner end of the latch 1| is mounted for swinging movement on the pin 11, between the side anges of the operating lever. The forward end of said latch is of yoke or forked formation,

having duplicate portions adapted to lie to each` side of the terminal clip l22, and to engage over a latch pin 19 which projects laterally from each side of the terminal clip. Releasing shoulders 8| project laterally from each side of the intermediate portion of the latch, and are adapted to be engaged by releasing shoulders 82 projecting in- This operating relation enables the latch 1| to swing upwardly in the relatching operating without oscillating the bar 13 and operating eye 12. Limiting stop lugs 83 project laterally from the sides of the operating lever 64 and are engaged by stop shoulders 84 on the tripping member 15 for limiting the outward oscillatory movementfof said member relatively to the operating lever.

In the operation of this embodiment, an outward pull exerted on the efe 12 through the pole hook rst serves to osillate the-tripping member 15, and thus release the latch 1|, thereby freeing the switch for opening movement. Continued outward and downward movement of the operating lever 64 around the pivot center 54 exerts a downward and outward pull cn the toggle link 62.

elements 29e-29h are shifted downwardly, and, simultaneously therewith, an outward separating force is set up through the medium `of the screw bolts 3| and 32, separating the blade elements of each of the aforesaid pairs, so that their clamping pressure on the switch terminals' 2| and 22 is released. The action of the timing spring 68 is to retain the blade elements in their substantially vertical positions, until the toggle parts 51a and 62 have moved substantially into deadcenter relation, i. e., until the stop shoulders 66 and 61 engage for stopping further toggle movement between the parts. Thereupon; continued outward and downward swinging movement of the operating lever 64 carries the blade assembly with it, swinging the blade elements down into amperage single pole indoor switch, although it will be understood that these same operating principles may also be embodied in other forms of switches. In order to obtain relatively large current carrying capacity in this embodiment, there are four sets of blade elements, arranged yin side-by-side pairs as a single pole for engag- The duing duplicate sets of switch terminals. plicate hinge terminals or clips 9|-9I' and the duplicate front terminals or clips 92-92' are shown as extending back through an insulating panel 93 for` connection with the circuit on the back side of said panel, although it will be un- -derstood that any other insulated mounting of the fully opened position illustratedy in dotted lines in Figure 1. Any suitable stop means may be provided for interrupting further motion of 64 or of the switch blades at this point. The pressure of the timing spring 68 keeps the toggle parts in the straightened relation illustrated so long as the switch is open. In the operation of closing the switch, the upward and inward movement transmitted through operating eye l2 swings the operating lever 64 and blade assembly upwardly as a unit. When the blade assembly nears the closed position, the toggle-breaking. lug 69 strikes the stop screw 10 and breaks the toggle 5'|6 |-62; and immediately following this the innermost blade elements encounter a stop which interrupts further rotative movement of the blade assembly. The latter stop may consist of the outer vertical shoulders 25 at the outer edges of the bracket structures 25 which support the terminal clips 22. When the blade elements 28a-28h strikeagainst these shoulders, the continued upward and inwardmotion of the operating lever 64 imparts rotative motion to the rocker lever 51,-causing it to oscillate about the virtual pivot 54x in a counterclockwise direction. Such motion of the rocker lever imparts downward shifting movement to blade elements 28a-28h, imparts upward shifting movement to blade elements 29a--29b, and, simultaneously therewith, exerts an inward contracting force through the medium of the screw bolts '3l-32, thereby drawing the blade elements into firm clamping pressure with the terminal clips`2| and 22 at the same time the operating lever the terminals may be employed. The hinge clips 9|-9I' are secured in place channel-shaped bracket 94, and by Atwo outer brackets 95-95'. The channel-shaped bracket has its web portion abutting against the insulating panel 93, and has its two side flanges abutting against the inner side surfaces of the hinge clips. The two side brackets 95-95' have their base flanges bolted to the insulating panel, and

that these blade elements are being given a slid- 'ing or wiping motion across the surfaces of said terminal clips.; In the final range of movement ofthe operating eye 12, the latch is nosed upwardly and then dropped behind the latch pin 19 for locking the switch in closed position. Attention is directed to the fact that by having the operating lever 64 pivotally mounted on a pivot axis 54 which is disposed adjacent to the bottom part of the blade assembly, or other relatively low point, the operating lever can be made relatively long for obtaining adequate leverage, without having the upper end of the lever project to an objectionable height above the upper end of the blade assembly. I preferably construct the blade elements 28a- 29h as entities separate from the clamping members 38u- 39h because this enables me to make the blade elements of maximum conductivity, and the clamping members of maximum pressure transmitting strength, but, in some situations, the blade elements and clamping members may be constructed as integral parts.

Figures 11 to 15, inclusive, show another embodiment of my invention in the form' of a high have their upstanding flanges secured to the hinge clips by rivets or bolts which also pass through the side flanges of the channel-shaped bracket 94. The duplicate front clips 52-92 are secured to the insulating panel- 93 by the same arrangement of channel-shaped bracket 96 and two side brackets 91--91.

'The blade assembly for the terminal clips 9|- 92 comprises the four blade elements or bars arranged in two cooperating pairs Saa- 98h and S/ 991), this being substantially a duplicate of the arrangement described in the preceding embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, this same blade assemblyl9||a98b and 99a-99b is duplicated for the 'other terminal clips 9|'92'. As shown in Figure 19, each blade element -has each end slotted longitudinally to form pairs of parallel contact fingers, and the inner surface of each finger is formed with a vraised contact area adapted to have high pressure engagement with the adjacent surface of the corresponding terminal clip, these blade elements thus being substantial duplicates ofA those described in the preceding embodiment. Passing through the central openings in the blade elements are the pairs 0f screw bolts and |02, these having square central boss portions and oppositely threaded end portions (see Figure 15) in substantially the same arrangement as previously described. The opposite ends of these screw bolts havethreaded engagement within adjustable nuts IUS-|06' which are mounted vwithin the clamping members |08a|09b and |09a-|09b. Each of these clamping members has a slot in and an opening in its lower portion to provide the finger portions and side portionswhich have raised pressure areas adapted to engage` the iin'- ger portions' of the blade elements, in substantially the same construction and arrangement described of the preceding embodiment. Projecting inwardly from the lower portion of each of these clamps is a pivot stud which has pivotal mounting at the outer end of a rocker member ||`3 `(Figure 13). In substantially the same manner as described of the preceding embodiment, one of these rocker members is dis'- posed on the outer side of each hinge clip 9|- 9| for pivotally connecting the front and rear outside clamps |I|8a|09a, and a corresponding rocker member is mounted on the inner side of by an intermediate its upper end and outer rocker is mounted on a pivot screw or pin HI which extends through the hinge clip. 'Ihese rocker members occupy substantially the same space between the lower portions of the clamps and the hinge clips as is occupied by the blade elements between the upper portions of the clamps and the clips, the raised areas on the inner surfaces of the clamps insuring thatthe clamping pressure is applied to the blade elements and not to lthe rocker members in the clamping operation. The four clamping members are of identical construction with the exception of the inner rear clamping member i||8b which has an extension portion or arm |||8c projecting downwardly and carrying a timing lug |08d at its lower end (Figures 12 and 13). This timing lug projects inwardly from the inner surface of the extension arm |08c, and is adapted to cooperate with a timing cam H8, there being one of these timing cams .secured by rivets H9 y to the inner side surface of each hinge terminal 9`I-9i'. Each cam has an approximately vertical stop shoulder |2|, from the upper edge of which continues an arcuate surface |22 which is per and lower edges at substantially the same height (Figure 1l). This disposes the timing lugs |0811 of the two inner rear clamps |0817 at their lowermost positions, where they lie in abut ment, or approximately so, against Ythe stopshoulders B2i of the timing cams. Hence, it is impossible for the blade assembly to partake of an outward pivotal motion toward switch opening position at this time. However, after the differential shifting motion has been imparted to the blade assembly, causing the rear pair of blade elements and clamps to be shifted upwardly and the'front pair of blade elements and 'clamps to be shifted downwardly, the timing lugs ||l8d are elevated out from against the stop shoulders |2I, and are placed in position where they can swing along the arcuate surfaces |22 of the timing cams (Figure l2). The entire blade assembly can now be swung outwardly and downwardly around the pivotal center ||4 for moving the switch to the open position illustrated in Figure 13. The timing lug IBd' remains under the control 'of the arcuate surface |22 when the blade assembly is in the fully open position, and, hence, when closing movement is imparted to the blade` assembly, the pairs of blade elements are compelled to remain in this differentially shifted position until the blade assembly is back in its upright, switch-closing position, whereupon the timing lug |0`8d can be thrust downwardly behind the stop shoulder I2I.

v This upward swinging movement of the blade assembly into its closed position is limited by the rear pairs of blades striking the front edges of the side brackets 91-91, or any other equivalent stop means. f

The rocker lever |25 which actuates the 'two screw bolts IUI-|02 is formed as a right-angle extension of the operating lever |26. As shown in Figure l5, the rocker member |25 is of yoke formation comprising the two parallel arm portions |25a-I25a, each having a pair of square openings |25b therein for receiving the square tions of the made assembly, andl 2) positivemI hub portions of the screw bolts lill-|02. The outer ends of these arms |25a' continue upwardly and form the side flanges or walls of the channel-shaped operating lever |28, these side flanges being Joined at the front by a transverse web form of a handle |23, although it will be understood that it might be an eye for receiving a pole hook, or it might have connection with an operating shaftl or other operating instrumentalities. In the construction disclosed, -the lower socket portion. |28' of this handle is secured fast to the upper end of a section of insulating material |29. The lower end of this insulating section or rod |29 is anchored in a socket formation I3| (Figure 15) formed integrally on the inner side of a latch tripping member |32. Said tripping member is rockably mounted in the upper end of the operating lever |26 on a pivot pin |33` the latch tripping member, by striking the front edges of the operating lever. As shown in Figures 1,1 and l5, the latch |36I is of yoke or H-shaped construction, comprising the side arm portions |35a which arejoined together by Ythe transverse web portion |3611. As shown in Figure 15, the front ends of the side' arm portions have pivotal mounting on the pivot pin |33 between the socket formation |3| and the side ange portions of the operating lever. The hook formations at the limer or rear ends of the latch structures are adapted to engage over a latch pin or pins |38 mounted in the front clips 92-92. Lugs |39 projecting inwardly from the lower part ofthe plate portion |34 are adapted to engage cooperating lugs |36c extending down from the side arm Iportions of the latch structure. The engagement of these lugs effects the tripping of the latch to its released position when the operating handle |28 is rocked in a clockwise direction about the pivot pin |33. In the operation of restoring the switch to closed position, the latch canrise and drop down over the latch pins |38 without` oscillating the operating handle relatively to thev operating lever. If desired, stop shoulders |40 may'project inwardly from each side ange portion of the voperating lever in position to strike the outer vertical edges of the terminal clips SI2-92', for establishing a limiting stop which limits the motion of the operating lever relatively to the blade assembly and to the terminal clips at the end of the switch closing operation. The screw threaded motion of the blade elements, and the sliding motion thereof, during each operation of opening the switch and closing the switch, will be obvious from the description of the -preceding embodiment. It will be understood that the rocker lever |25 has rocker motion about a virtual pivot I Mx, such pivot being established by the lower rocker pivot III.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, this construction employs a positively operating toggle which performs the two-fold function of (,1) timing the three mo' locking or latching the blade assembly in its switch closing position. Also, in this construction, the switch operating means preferably has link connection` toggle, although this operating means may be otherwise connected with the blade assembly.

mounted in bracket arms |66 projecting outwith the knuckle pivot of the For the purpose oiillustration, a high amperage single pole indoor switch is shown, although it will be understood ciple may also be embodied in other forms -of switches. In order to obtain large current carrying capacity, there are provided duplicate hinge terminals ill-46|' and duplicate front terminals EQ2-|42', adapted to be engaged by four sets of blade elements, arranged in sideby-side pairs, substantially as illustrated in the preceding embodiment. The hinge clips are shown as being the side portions of a U-shaped that this same toggle Prnbracket which is secured by bolts or cap screws l to the insulating block- |46. The front or upper clips I42-II2' likewise constitute the side portions of a U-shaped bracket which is secured by bolts or cap screws |46 to the insulating block |45. The upper and lower extremities of these terminal brackets are slotted as shown in Figure 16 for effecting bolted attachment to a plurality of bus conductors. The insulating block I 45 is secured to the outer face of a mounting bracket |41 which is bolted to the back surface on which the switch is mounted.

The blade assembly comprises the cooperating one of these sets of four blade elements being provided for each oi the two pairs of clip elements |4||62 and IiP-|42'. These blade elements are of substantially the same construction as described in the case of the preceding embodiments, the blade elements being moved transversely toward and away from each other and being shifted. endwise in opposite directions through the actuation of the screwfbolts |6|IA and |52. These bolts have threaded engagement within the ad- Justable nuts ISS-|53', which are capable of being rotated for adjustment in the same manner previously described of the nuts 46-46'. 'I he nuts are mounted in the clamping members |58a|68b and wila-|591), these clamping Y members being practically of the sameconstruction as those previously described. vThe lower end vof each clamping member is pivotally connected at I6I with the outer end of a rocker member |63 which has central pivotal mountingv on a pivot pin |64 passingthrough each hinge clip section, such rocker mounting being the same as previously described.

The rocker lever |66 which actuates the screw bolts ISI- |62 of each set of blade elements comprises the two parallel arm portions |65awardlyfrom the hinge clip III- IM Pivotally mounted on the knuckle pin |66 between the fork arms |66d is the front end of a tending operating shaft I14. Oscillation of this shaft is operative to pull and push the link |1| for opening and closing the switch through the mechanism operates in thethree-fold capacity of 'operating means, timing means, and locking means. v

It will be seen that when the switch is in the closed position illustrated in full lines inFigure 16, the knuckle pivot I 66 occupies aposition beyond or outward of the vdead-center line :r-y drawn through the center of the virtual pivot |6611: and the center of the lower stationary pivot |68. Thus, the toggle mechanism is in an over-center locked position for positively holding the blade assembly against accidental opening. When the operating crank and link are oscillated rearwardly to open the switch, the knuckle, pivot |66 is pulled back through the dead-center line and the two toggle members |65 and |61 are subjected to a relative folding motion, which iinally brings these members into the dotted line posi` v tions illustrated in Figure 16. It will be noted that in this dotted line position the toggle pivot |66 is 'substantially the same distance from the hinge pivot |64 that it was in the lfull-line position. The downward'and inward motion of the |66a which extend inwardly between the pairs of A f blade elements (Figure 1'1), and are formed with the square openings for receiving the square hub portions of the screw bolts. The front ends oi' these parallel arm portions are crossconnected by a cross bar portion |65b, resulting in a U- shaped formation in this part ofthe member |65. Extending downwardly from the center of the cross bar |66b is an arm or link portion |65c which has a bifurcated lower end |66d (Figure 17) This bifurcated lower end has pivotal connection through a knuckle pivot |66 with a' toggle link |61. As shown in Figure 1'1, the toggle link is of biiurcated construction, comprising spaced side arm portions extending upwardly from a |1|'-|14, may be obtained by extending an opersimultaneously shifts the pairs. of blade elements differentially. ,The continued folding motionA of the toggle then swings the blade assembly outwardly and downwardly into the open switch position illustrated inidotted lines. In such motion, the pair of blade elements are iirst shifted differentially in opposite directions, and are then shifted back approximately to the original relation, with the outer edges of all of the blade ele-l ments substantially even, when the blade assembly reaches the open position. This may cause toggle parts back into their original positions, this motion of the member |66 causing the pairs of blade elements to again go through their transverse movements and endwise shifting movements for bringing the blade elements back into clamping engagementwith the terminal clips.

An alternative adaptation which retains the- A toggle mechanism l65|`66|61, but which dispenses with the back connected mechanism ating handle or an operating eye upwardly from the cross bar portion |65b -of the member |65,

substantially the same as the operating handlev or operating eye of the preceding embodiments. In such arrangement, the toggle mechanism |65|66|61 would time the motions of the blade assembly, and could also be employed' to lock the switch in the closed position.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate' another construction in which toggle mechanism quite similar to that shown in Figures 16 and 17 is embodied in .a high voltage switch particularly adapted for outdoor installations. In this construction, the hinge terminal structure |6||8I vand the front or upper terminal structurel82-I82' are mountstood that coupling connection may be estab.

lished with other forms of conductors.

The blade assembly is generally similar to that previously described, comprising the cooperating pairs of blade elements |08a|88b and |89a- |091). These blade elements have slotted upper ends and apertured lower portions, as previously described, and carry pivot studs |9| at their lower extremities which have pivotal mounting in the outer ends of rocker members |93 which are pivotally supported at |94 on the clip structure ISI-IBI'. Bearing against the outer sides of the blade elements are the clamping members |95a|95b and |S6a|96b.

The 'blade elements and clamping members are similar in, construction to those previously described, but because of the high voltage characteristic of the switch theyare made relatively long in this embodiment to effect a large opening. Because of this greater length of the blade assembly parts, I preferto 'employ two pairs of screw bolts |91-I98 and ISS-200 for each set of blade elements. Both pairs of screw bolts have threaded engagement within adjustable nuts carried by the clamping members, this construction and arrangement being the same as previously described. The two lower screw bolts |91|98 are actuated by a rocker lever 205 which is very similar to the previously described rocker lever |65, comprising the parallel arm portions extending inwardly between the pairs of blade elements,l the cross bar portion 2051 and the downwardly extending arm or link portion 205e. The rocker motion of this lever 205 with respect to the screw bolts H11-|98 occurs about a virtual pivot |94' which is located centrally between the screw bolts, corresponding to the central location of the lower rocker pivot |94. The two upper screw bolts ISS-200 are coupled together-by a transverse rocker member or link 20|. This rocker link has square open# ings in its ends for; engaging over the squareV bosses of the screw bolts, andthe rocker motion ofthis tie link member occurs about a virtual pivot |94", which occupies the same relation with respect to the screw bolts ISS-200 that the virtual pivot I 94' occupies with respect to the lower screw bolts ISH-|98. Thus, the three rocker members |93, 20|, and 205 all rock as a unit in the diierential shifting movement of the pairs of blade elements. This concurrent rocking movement of the members 20| and 205 causes the lower pair of screw bolts |91|98 and the upper pair of screw bolts ISS-200 to have the same amount of transverse movement between the blade elements at the lower end of the blade assembly and at the upper end of the blade assembly.

The lower end of arm 205e of rocker lever 205 has a knuckle pivot connection 206 with a toggle member 201, this relation being similar to the toggle mechanism |65-|66 |61 of Figures 16 and 17. The toggle member 201 is pivotally 75 mounted on a stationary pivot pin 208 which is mounted in bracket arms 209 projecting outwardly from the'hinge clip structure I8||8|'. In this embodiment, the toggle 4member 201 constltutes one arm of a bell crank or double lever unit comprising another arm 2|I. This other arm has a bifurcated outer end,- and pivotally mounted therein on the transverse pivot pin 2|2 is a universal joint coupling 2|3.. vExtending l0 through said universal joint member at right angles to the pin 2|2 is another pin'2l4, which mounts the universal joint in the forked upper end of a push-pull operating link 2|5. The lower end of said linkhas an apertured portion 2|1 15 which engages over a crank pin 2I8 projecting from a crank arm 2|9. The front and back sur faces of the apertured link portion 2|1 are formed with rounded lobe surfaces adapted tov bear against the crank arm 2|9 and against the nut 22| engaging over the outer end of the crank pin, these rounded lobes accommodating inward and outward rocking movement of the link 2|6 relatively to the crank arm and crank pin. This apertured link portion 2|1 may have threaded mounting within the lower end o'f the link 2|6 so as to provide an adjustment enabling the ef-v fective length of the link to be varied.

The hub of the crank arm 2|9 is secured fast to an operating shaft which is journaled 'for oscillation in a bearing bracket 22S bolted between the lower portions of the clip bars IBI-ISI'. The inner end of this shaftis secured fast to a rotatable insulator 225' which has an inner shank portion 226 mounted for rotation in a stationary bearing bracket 221. A

[crank arm 220 extends from the shank 226 and is adapted to have operative connection with any suitable actuating linkage arranged to actuate the switch. l

40 The operation of this embodiment is very similar to that illustrated in Figures 16 and 17. When the switch is in the closed position illustrated, the knuckle pivot 206 occupies a position beyond or outward of the dead-center line -y drawn through the center of the virtual pivot ISB and the center of the lower stationary pivot 208. Thus, the toggle mechanism is in an over-center locked position for positively holding the blade assembly against accidental opening. When the rotatable insulator 225 is rotated in a clockwise direction (Figure 19), the crank 2|9 exerts an upward thrust on the link 1 2|6, which,.in turn, imparts rotative movement to the lever arms 2|| and 201 in a counterclock wise direction, thereby folding the toggle mechanism 205-206-201 in an inward direction, causing the knuckle pivot 206 to swing inwardly over the dead-center line :lt-y. This breaks the toggle, and concurrently therewith imparts a rocking, motion to the rocker lever 205 for causing differential shifting movement to be impartedto the bladeelements through the screw bolts HB1-|96. The relative rotation of both pairs of screw bolts |91-|96 and ISB-200 con- 'currently with the diierential shifting motion same degree of angular motion for causing the of the blade elements releases the blade assembly from its clamped engagement against the outer surfaces of the switch terminals. The continued folding motion of the toggle then swings the blade assembly outwardly and downwardly into 8 their original positions, this motion ofthe rocker lever 205 causing the pairs of blade elements to again. go through their transverse movements and endwise shifting movements for bringing the blade elements back into engagement with the side surfaces of the switch terminals. i

The two toggle operated embodiments shown in Figures 16-1'1 and 18-19 may, if desired', be provided with' additional' locking means to supplement the locking action of thel toggle mechanisms, as, for example, in situations where excessive vibration might shake the toggle mechanisms loose. In the case of Figures 16-1'1 this could be any latch or the shaft H4 against switch opening rotation; and in the case of Figures 18-19 it could be any latch or lock for positively locking the operating Y crank arm 228 against rotation. y

In all ofthe embodiments herein disclosed, I preferably have therange of endwise shifting motion of the blade elements exceed the areaA of the raised contact surfaces on the blade elements, or the equivalent thereof. For example, a contact area which is approximately M4 inch long in the direction of shift shifted through a distance of approximtely inch or longer. Should a relatively long contact area be desired, this may be divided into sections by a series of Y grooves, vthese grooves assisting to clean the sur- Such grooved or ribbed contact areas are faces. typically represented in prior Patents Nos. 2,208,411 and 2,217,433.

While I have illustrated and described what I regard to be the preferred embodiments of my invention, nevertheless it will be understood that such are merely exemplary and that numerous modifications and rearrangements may be made therein without departingfrom the essence of the invention.

I claim:

l. In an electric switch, the combination of a l pair of spaced terminals, a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising ia plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism including means for causing relative endwise motion between said blade elements, and

lock for positively locking anis'mcomprising rocker means for causing dif-' ferential end wise motion between said blade elements, and also comprising screw-threaded means for causing relative transverse motion between ysaid blade elements.

4. In an electric switch, the combination of a.

pair of spaced switch terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements terminals, said relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising means for imparting shifting motion to one of said blade elements for. causing the latter to engage one of said switch terminals with a wiping contact action, and rotary means for causing blade elements of said blade assembly to be drawn toward each other in order to establish contact with one of said switch terminals with a highpressure clamping engagement.

5. In an electric switch, a pair of spaced terminals, a switch member comprising a pair of oppositely disposed parallel bars for bridging said bars adapted to be drawn toward each other to have clamping engagement against the outer sides of said terminals, and operating mechanism for moving said switch member between open and closed positions, said mechanism being operative to move the ends of said bars from a position away from said terminals to a position in proximity to said terminals and including means for thereafter moving said bars .longitudinally and transversely toward one an- Y including relatively rotatable members having 4 y interwedging surfaces for causing relative transverse motion between said blade elements, both in timed relation to the opening and closing movements of said blade structure.

2. In an electric switch, the combination of a 4 pair of spacedterminals, a blade assembly mounted for swinging movement between open and closed positions relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism including means for causing diierential sliding motion of said blade elements relatively to said terminals and including screw-threaded means for causing relative transverse motion between said blade elements relatively to said terminals, both in prev determined relation to the opening and closing movements of said blade assembly.

3. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechother to force said bars into pressure engagement with said terminals with a wiping contact action.

6. In a switch, the combination of switch terminals, a blade assembly comprising relatively movable conducting .blade elements, and actuat..` ing mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said mechanism functioning upon the closing of the switch'to cause relative shifting motion between blade elements ofthe blade assembly, and including interengaging members having interwedging surfaces for drawing the blade elements of the blade assembly toward each other.

o 7. In a switch, the combination of a terminal member, a conducting blade member having pivotal swinging movement into and out of `engagement with said terminal member, and operating mechanism for opening. and closing the switch, said operating mechanism comprising means operative after thev blade member has completed its pivotal swinging movement into switch closing position for causing relative wiping engagement between said members, and including screw means for eiecting high pressure contact between said members in switch closing position. Q

8. In a switch, the combination of a relatively stationary contact, a movable bladefunit adapted to engage said contact, operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, screw means responsive to said operating mechanism for securing clamping actiony between said blade unit and said stationary contact, and-means responsive to said operating mechanism for causing relative slidingmotion between said blade unitv and said contact during the operation of said screw means.

' 9. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising a first pair of coacting blade elements and a second pair of coacting blade elements, a ,Y

first screw bolt arranged to cause relative transverse movement between said first pair of blade elements, a second screw bolt arranged to cause relative transverse movement between said second pair of blade elements, rocker means for actuating said screw bolts, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch and to actuate said rocker means. l

10. In an electricI switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements re1- atively to said terminals, said `blade structure comprising two pairs of cooperating blade elements disposed in side-by-side relation, -separate screw bolts operatively connected with said pairs of blade elements for causing relative transverse movement between the blade elements-of each pair, rocker means operatively connectedwith said screw bolts to rotate the latter and to impart opposite shifting movements to said pairs of blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch and to actuate said rocker means. g 11. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, va blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a first pair of coacting blade elements, a second pair of coactingblade elements spaced laterally therefrom, the blade elements of each pair being capable of relatively transverse movement toward and from each other, separate screw bolts for each pair of blade elements, said screw bolts being mounted on laterally spaced axes and each lbolt having oppositely threaded ends coacting with the blade elements of its pair for causing the aforesaid relative transverse Dmovements of said blade elements, and rocker means connected with said screw bolts and having rocker mountingkon a pivot axis intermediate the laxes of said screw bolts, whereby actuation of said rocker means rotates said screw bolts and simultaneously therewith imparts shifting movement to said first pair of blade elements in one directionand imparts shifting movement to said second pair of blade elements in the opposite direction.

12. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced switch terminals, a blade assembly having hinged mounting on one of said terminals for movement into and out of engagement with the other of said terminals, saidblade assembly comprising a first pair of coacting blade elements, a second pairV of coacting blade elements spaced laterally therefrom, the blade elements of each pair being capable of relative transverse movement for causing their inner surfaces to move into and out of clamping engagement with one of said switch terminals, clamping members operative to exert clamping pressure against the outer surfaces of said blade ingmembers, a separate rocker member carrying `said screw bolts and having rockermovement vabout a virtual pivot intermediate the axes ofI said screw bolts, and operating means for actuating said latter rocker member so as to rotate said screw bolts and simultaneously therewith impart shifting movement to said first pair elements in the opposite direction.

13; 1n an e1eetrie switch of the dass described. l

the combination ofa hinge terminal and a front terminal, a blade assembly hingedly mounted on said hinge terminal for swingingmovement intoy and out of engagement with said front terminals, said blade assembly comprising front and rear pairs of cooperating blade elements disposed in side-by-side relation, said blade elements having their ends longitudinallyy slotted to form nger portions, raised contact surfaces of relatively small area projecting inwardly from the inner surfaces of said nger portions for engagement with the outer side surfaces of said switch terminals, front and rear pairs of clamping members disposed adjacent the outer surfaces of said blade elements, raised pressure areas projecting from said clamping members i screwing into the oppositely threaded nuts carterminals, a sw1tch member comprising a pair elements, nuts carried by said clamping'members, first and second screw bolts for said first and second pairs of blade elements, said screw aforesaidvrelative transverse movement-between the blade elements of its respective pair, rocker members pivotally connected with the laterallyl 4adjacent clamping members of opposite pairs oi blade elements, rocker pivots for said rocker members disposed intermediate the pivotal connections of said rocker members with said clampried by the front pairof clamping members, a rear screw-bolt extending through said rear pair of blade elements and having oppositely threaded ends screwing into the oppositely threaded nuts carried -by the rear pair of clamping member, each of said nuts being mounted for rotative adjustment within its respective clamping member for adjusting 'the clamping action of said member, locking screws carried, by said clamping members for locking said nuts in their adjusted positions, rocker members disposed on opposite sides of said hinge terminal and pivotally supported intermediate their ends on a hinge pin carried by said hinge terminal, the front `ends of said rocker members being pivotally connected with the front pair of clamping membersl and the rear ends of said rocker members being pivotally connected with the rear pair oi clamping members, a rocker lever extending betweenV the opposing surfaces of both pairs of blade elements, said rocker lever having polygonal holes therein engaging over polygonal bosses formed on the central portions of said screw-l bolts, and operating mechanism operatively connected to actuate said rocker lever.

14. In an electric switch, a pair of spaced of oppositely disposed parallel Vbars for bridging saidy terminals, said bars adapted to be drawn towards each other to have clamping engagement against the outer sides of one of said terminals, toggle means, and mechanism actuated through said toggle means for moving said switch member to move the ends of said4 bars from a 1 o A Y 15. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative and close the switch,.said operating mechanism comprising rocker means for causing differential atively to the opening and closing movements of the blade assembly, spring means tending to move said toggle means into Aan over-center to open and close the switch, said operating i mechanism including apparatus for'causing vrelative shifting motion and relative transverse motion between said blade elements, and toggle means operatively connected to transmit motion to said apparatus.

17. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising a rocker member operative to cause relative endwise shifting motion between said blade elements, screw-threaded means actuated by said rocker member and operative to cause relative transverse motion between said blade elements, and toggle means connected to transmit operating motion to said rocker member.

18. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch and including means for causing relative sliding motion between said blade elements longitudinally thereof, and relative converging and separating motion between said blade elements angularly thereof, and toggle means for timing said latter motions relative- I ly to the opening and closing movements of the blade structure.

19. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening andclosing movements rel-- atively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open a'nd close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising rocker means for causing differential endwise motion between said blade elements, screw-threaded means actuated by said rocker means for causing relative transverse motion between said blade elements, an operating lever, and toggle means connecting said operating lever with said rocker means.

20. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism operative to open and movable into and out of engagement with p locking relation'when said blade assembly is moved to open position, and stop means for breaking said over-center locking relation when said blade assembly is moved back toward closed position.

` 21. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch and/including means for causing relative sliding motion between said blade elements in one direction and relative transverse motion between said blade elements in another direction, and cam means for timing said latter motions relatively to the opening and closing movements of the blade structure.

22. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for lopening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism Aoperative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising a rocker member for causing differential endwise motion between said blade elements, an operating lever extending from said rocker member, screw-threaded means 'actuated by said rocker member for causing relative transverse motion between said blade elements, timing lugs moving with said blade elements, and cam means cooperating with said timing lugs\for controlling the differential endwisemotion between said blade elements and vtiming both of said relative motions with recomprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising apparatus for causing relative 4 shifting motion between said blade elements in one plane and relative transverse motion between said blade elements in another plane, toggle means connected to transmit motion to said apparatus, said toggle means comprising a knuckle pivot, and a push-pull link connected with said knuckle pivot to actuate said toggle means.

24. In a high voltage disconnect switch, the

combination of a hinge terminal, a front terminal, separate high voltage insulators on which said terminals are mounted, a blade assembly having hinged mounting on said hinge terminal said front terminal, said blade assembly compris- `ing flrst and second pairs o1' cooperating blade elements disposed in s ide-by-side relation, the blade elements of each pair being capable of relative transverse movement for causing their inner surfaces to move into and out of clamping engagemei with said 'erminals, upper and lower pairs of screw bolts coacting with said elements for causing the Vaforesaid relative transverse movements of said blade elemerts, upper and lower rocker members carrying said upper and lower pairs of screw bolts andhaving rocker mounting on axes intermediate the axes of their respective screw bolts, toggle means for imparting operating movement to fone of said rocker members, and a third insulator mounted for rotative movement and operatively connected to actuate said toggle means.

25. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising rocker means for causing differential endwise motion between said blade elements, and also comprising rotary means carried -by said blade elements for causing relative transverse motion between said blade elements, said rotary means having rotary motion about an axis extending substantially transversely of said blade elements.

26. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced switch terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said'blade assembly comprising a plurailty of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising means for imparting shifting motion to one of said blade elements for causing the latter to engage one of said switch terminals with a wiping contact action, and rotary means for causing relative motion between said blade elements in a plane extending substantially transversely of said blade elements, said rotary means rotating about an axis extending substantially parallel tosaid transverse plane.

27. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, and operating mechanism for swinging said blade assembly through a plane between open and closed positions, said operating mechanism comprising shifting means for causing relative shifting motion between said blade elements, and clamping means for causing relative clamping motion between said blade elements, said clamping means rotating about an axis extending substantially at right angles tosaid plane of swinging motion of the blade assembly.

28. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising means for causing relative longitudinal motion and relative transverse motion between said blade elements, and toggle means for timing said latter motions relatively to the opening and closing movements of the blade assembly.

29. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising means for causing relative longitudinal motion and comprising relatively rotatable members having interwedging surfaces for causing relative transverse motion between said blade elements, and linkage means for timing said latter motions relatively to the openingI and closing movements of the blade assembly.

30. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism for swinging said blade assembly through a plane between open and closed positions, said operating mechanism comprising shifting means for causing relative shifting motion between said blade elements, clamping means for causing relative clamping motion between said blade elements, said clamping means rotating about an axis extending substantially at right angles tosaid plane of swinging motion of the blade assembly, and linkage means for timing said latter motions relatively to .the opening and closing movements of blade assembly.

31. In an electric switch, thev combination of a the pair of spaced terminals,'a blade structure having hinged mounting adjacent one end for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising shifting means for causing relative longitudinal motion between said blade elements, clamping means for causing relative transverse motion between said blade elements, and cam means coacting with the hinged end of said blade'structureto open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising means for causing differential endwise motion between said front and rear pairs of blade elements, and means for causing relative transverse motion between the blade elements of each pair.

33. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade assembly mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a first pair of blade elements in faceto-facerelation and a second pair of blade elements in face-to-face relation, and operating mechanism operative to `open and close the switch, said operating mechanism including means for shifting 4one of said pairs of blade elements in one direction and the other of said pairs of blade elements in the opposite direction.

34. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals,` a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising a plurality of relatively movable blade elements, operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising shifting means for causing relative longitudinal motion between said blade elements,

relatively rotatable members having interwedging surfaces for causing relative transverse motion between said blade elements, and cam means for timing said latter motions relatively'to the opening and closing movements of-the blade.

relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly` comprising a iirstpair of blade elements in face# to-Iace relation and a second pair of blade elements in face-to-iace relation, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, said operating mechanism including means for shifting one of said pairs` of blade elements in one direction and the other of said pairs of blade elements in the opposite direction, and relatively rotatable members having interwedging surfaces for causing relative transverse motion between the blade elements. of each pair.

36. In an electric switch, thehcombination oi a pair of spaced terminals, a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements 'relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising blade elements and relatively movable clamping members for exerting clamping pressure against said blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to, open and close the switch, said operating mechanism comprising means for causing relative endwise motion between said clamping members, and also comprising relatively rotatable members having interwedging surfaces for causing relative transverse motion between said clamping members.

37. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising blade means and relatively movable clamping members for causing a clamping pres- 2,2as,1s4 sure to be exerted between said blade means and said terminals, and operating mechanism operative to open. and close the switch comprising meansfor causing relative endwise motion between'said clamping members, and means for causing relative transverse motion between said clamping members. Y

38. In an electric switchgthecombination of a pair oi spaced terminals, a blade assembly.

mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade assembly comprising a iirst pair of coacting blade elements, a second pair of coacting blade elements spaced laterally therefrom, the blade' elements of each pair being capable of relative transverse movement toward andv from each other, separate screw bolts for each pair of blade elements, said screw bolts being mounted on laterally spacedA axes and each bolt having oppositely threaded ends coacting with the'blade elements of its pair for causing the aforesaid relative transverse movements of said blade elements, and operating mechanism operative to open and close the switch, including means for causing substantially simultaneous actuation of both of said screw bolts. y

39. In an electric switch, the combination of a pair of spaced terminals, a blade structure mounted for opening and closing movements relatively to said terminals, said blade structure comprising a pair of coacting blade elements, a screw bolt extending -between said blade elements, separate threads of opposite lead formed on the opposite ends of said screw bolt, a pair of threaded sockets carried by said blade elements for receiving the threads on the opposite ends of said screw bolt, vand operating mechanism operative to swing said blade assembly into switch closing position with a positively acting closing force, and including means for rotating said screw bolt relatively to said blade elements for exerting clamping force against said blade elements.

PEDER B. HOYE. 

